Clean Coal? Yeah Right.

Final chance for public comment on "minor" source issue

A  tragic wake up call to the ‘clean coal’ myth came on December 22, 2008, when a dam for coal ash waste failed at the Kingston Fossil Plant in Tennessee (AP). Here in NC, we have our own problems with coal.

In a last minute maneuver to get around that pesky old Clean Air Act, Duke Energy is requesting a "minor" source designation for its new coal unit at its Cliffside facility. If successful, the utility will not have to install the maximum available control technologies for hazardous air pollutants like mercury and dioxins.

If you haven't done so, tell Governor Perdue and the NC Division of Air Quality that you expect Duke to comply with the Clean Air Act.

TVA - Clean 'em up!

On January 13th, US District Court Judge Lacy Thornburg ruled the Tennessee Valley Authority must install pollution controls on its four power plants closest to North Carolina - three in eastern Tennessee and one in Alabama. The ruling will go a long way to clean up out-of-state air pollution, restore scenic vistas in our mountains, and protect the health of our citizens. Our state owes Attorney General Roy Cooper a huge debt of gratitude for his leadership and perseverance in the fight to keep our air clean and beatiful.

A lot of 'Cool' stuff happening across NC

Cool Cities Workshop

Citizens statewide will gather this Saturday to discuss ways to cut energy consumption and costs within their own government communities (agenda). Several volunteers are to thank for assembling this workshop.

In particular, Joel Landau, Marvin Woll, and Marghi Sowerwine guided speaker selection and workshop direction. Elyse Jung played a pivotal role on the workshop steering committee as well; she secured the Wake Forest Law School classrooms, breakfast and lunch.

To learn more about the workshop on Saturday (Jan. 24), contact Kara Craig, Cool Cities Coordinator, at (919) 833-8467 or kara.craig@sierraclub.org.

That makes 50!

Beaufort is North Carolina’s 50th Cool Community! Mayor Richard Stanley joined the Cool City Initiative by signing the U.S. Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement. Beaufort is interested in offering more transportation options and affordable housing options for its citizens.

Also, a special thanks to Sierra Club member, Breta Stroud, who has worked with Mayor Stanley to strategize new ways to use their water and energy more efficiently.

Over 1,200 mayors nationwide have joined. Your city could be the next!! For more information or to start a Cool City campaign near you, email Kara Craig, NC Cool Cities Coordinator, at kara.craig@sierraclub.org or call her at (405) 208-2953.

New Staffer to focus on Charlotte

Please join us in welcoming Beth Clark to the Sierra Club fold.

Beth has worked with Fortune 500 companies and non-profits in the environmental industry at the executive level for almost 20 years. Most recently she has worked with Chestnut Consulting as a sustainability coach and is the former Executive Director of the Carolinas EcoCrescent, a NC/SC bi-state organization whose mission was to advance the understanding and best use practices in sustainable business development.

Beth will be working for the Cool Cities Campaign in Charlotte, helping the city to become a leader in the Southeast and the nation in energy efficiency and energy retrofits.

She can be reached at beth.clark@sierraclub.org.

They'll be back...and soon.

When the next Footnotes Online hits your inbox, the NC General Assembly will have returned. Want to stay updated? Then head on over to our legislative tracker. Want to see what issues we're working on? Check out our issues page.

A lot will happen in 2009. Stay Updated. And tell-a-friend.

Outings

Fri, Feb 6 - Sun, 8   Neusiok Trail Base Camp Trip   (Piedmont Plateau)

Fortify yourself with a bowl of fish stew from the little town of Newport east of New Bern before we pack in on Friday.

Fri, Mar 6 - Sun, 8   2nd Annual Mt. Rogers Winter Basecamp Trip   (North Carolina Chapter)

Come join the NC/VA/WV Chapters of the Sierra Club on a Winter Basecamp Trip to the Highest Place in Virginia.

Sat, Mar 21  Doorway to the Back Country: Sierra Club Beginner Backpacking Class   (North Carolina Chapter)

If you are interested in taking our Beginner Backpacking Class please get in touch!

In the news

New governor a friend in Raleigh   Fayetteville Observer   Jan 09, 2009

“She certainly said she would make energy efficiency a priority and that she would provide financial support for local governments for efficiency in (new) buildings,” said Christa Wagner, a political committee member for the state organization. “She said she would also promote a green work force and university research for green technology.”

Freeman promises to 'get it right'   News & Observer   Jan 07, 2009

"We look forward to working with him," said Molly Diggins, director of the North Carolina chapter of the Sierra Club.

Can't wait for our next issue? Scope out our blog. 

For upcoming club events and meetings, take a look at our Chapter Calendar.

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